Landscapers next door cut my trees requiring trespassing. the police said i can do nothing. true or not?

Question

The house next door is vacant. They crossed five feet onto my property clearly marked by a fence just ten feet away and pruned (vandalized my trees). They look horrible. The police responded to my call and told me I had no grounds to charge trespassing or vandalism despite the landscaper's own admissions to both. The police said that since 20 assayers could mark 20 different property lines, I had no expectation of any rights. he refused to do anything more than take a statement and remained belligerent and abusive the entire time. Do I have any recourse?

I live in Marietta, Ga.

Answer 1

The cop was lazy and did not want to do his job.At least you filed a report it. You can sue the company that cut your trees. You will have to take it to small claims court.

Answer 2

let the trees grow back

Answer 3

did they go "Over" the fence ?

they way you phrased that is a little confusing.

Answer 4

If they cut your tree beyond the property line on your side, you have a case.  However, your story suggests the police think the property line is not too well defined, and the fact that landscapers, who likely know the rules, came so far onto your property suggests to me that the property line is indistinct.  You can take your case to small claims court if the damages you suffered don't exceed a certain amount.  I'm not sure what that amount is in GA.

Answer 5

Get over it dude! It will grow back. Your making an argument over a vacant property at this time. Wait until you get new neighbors and talk with them and come to an understanding of how you would like the tree to grow. sounds like your getting upset over nothing. It's only trespassing when you ask someone to leave the property and they refuse. You have no signs posted I'm sure. Buy a vicious dog to keep people out of your yard.